Chapter 706
Chapter 706:
Fernanda didn’t linger on the topic, sensing that Wendy’s family situation was far from simple. Over the year they had spent as roommates, Fernanda had never seen Wendy call her family, nor had she ever mentioned her parents. It seemed there was something difficult behind it, and Fernanda respected her silence, never pressing the issue.
“It’s fine,” Wendy said, chuckling gently. “She’s moved on. I’m not part of her life anymore.”
A sudden gust of warm summer air swept through the open balcony door, rustling the white curtains beside the bed. Wendy’s gaze wandered out the window, her expression distant, as though the summer scenery was a window to her past.
“My parents divorced when I was younger,” Wendy said, her voice calm yet heavy. “My mom remarried, and she’s happy now. She doesn’t need me. There are plenty of people who will wish her a happy birthday. My wish doesn’t really matter to her.”
“That’s not true. You’re still her daughter,” Fernanda said gently, her heart going out to Wendy.
Wendy shook her head slowly, her long lashes falling to veil the emotions in her eyes. “She’s the one who said she didn’t need me. She remarried when I was in high school, but I didn’t join her new family. We only kept in touch through calls and messages. Then she had more children, and her life felt fuller without me in it. One day, she told me she didn’t want to hear from me unless absolutely necessary. She said she had a new family now, and that I was just a thing of the past.”
Wendy lifted her eyes to Fernanda, offering a bitter laugh. “So, tell me, what’s the point in me wishing her well now?”
“No, there isn’t,” Fernanda responded immediately, her tone quiet but firm. She shook her head, the words undoing her previous sentiment. Wendy’s mother had chosen to distance herself, to draw a line that she couldn’t cross. It was clear—if her mother didn’t want the relationship, then Wendy had no reason to force it.
“So, are you heading to the bar tonight?” Fernanda broke the silence, her voice casual as she asked Wendy. “The one where you work? I love the vibe there.”
“I’m in the mood for a drink—could you make me a cocktail? Maybe we can get Sloane and Bonita to join us too.”
“Sure thing,” Wendy replied with a grin. “I’ll head over soon. You can message them.”
𝓞𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓲𝓷 𝓵𝓸𝓬𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷: ⳑ𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗲𝗅𝘀⍿𝖼𝗈𝗆
Wendy knew exactly what Fernanda was doing—trying to lift her spirits, offering a distraction. Fernanda had always been the rational one, the one who never acted impulsively. She knew when to stay focused, especially during exam week—drinking wasn’t exactly her thing. Yet here she was, doing it anyway, for her.
A warm feeling stirred in Wendy’s chest.
That was the true essence of friendship—not the grand gestures, but the small acts of kindness that made a difference. Sometimes, friendship proved to be more dependable and valuable than even family.
Wendy’s workplace, a cozy bar, boasted an impressively stable crew; it seemed to Fernanda that she recognized every face from her previous visit. As soon as Fernanda entered, a chorus of whistles filled the air.
“Gorgeous lady, enchant us with a song!”
“Come on, grace us with a few tunes. Last time you covered ‘Rainbow,’ it was phenomenal—so unique and vibrant. I’m kicking myself for not recording it!”
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